[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Gluteus maximus tendon [Muscular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/muscular-system/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # Gluteus maximus tendon The gluteus maximus tendon joins the large buttock muscle to the back of the [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) and to the iliotibial band. Official name: Tendon of gluteus maximus [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=gluteus_maximus_tendon&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The tendon end of the gluteus maximus. Most of it blends into the IT band; the deeper part attaches to the back of the femur (gluteal tuberosity). ## What it does Carries the muscle's pull to extend the hip and to tighten the IT band. ## Key points - External snapping hip: a thickened band at the back of the iliotibial band (IT band) or the front edge of the [gluteus maximus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-maximus-muscle/) flicks over the greater trochanter as the hip bends and straightens - The posterior approach to the hip splits the gluteus maximus along its fibres, and its femoral insertion can be partly released to improve exposure - The sciatic nerve lies deep to it, emerging below the [piriformis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/piriformis-muscle/) and running down over the short external rotators ## Key facts **Attaches** Upper and superficial lower fibres into the iliotibial tract (about three quarters); deep lower fibres to the gluteal tuberosity of the femur **Function** Carries hip extension and lateral rotation; tenses the iliotibial tract to steady the extended knee; the trochanteric bursa lies between it and the greater trochanter **Tight in** Hip flexion with adduction ## Relations **Superficial** Fat and [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/) of the buttock and upper outer thigh **Deep** Greater trochanter with the [trochanteric bursae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trochanteric-bursa-of-gluteus-maximus-muscle/), the [vastus lateralis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vastus-lateralis-muscle/) origin, the short external rotators and the [sciatic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sciatic-nerve/) **Below** Vastus lateralis in front and [adductor magnus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/adductor-magnus/) behind, between which the deep fibres reach the gluteal tuberosity **Lateral** [IT band](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/iliotibial-tract/), into which most of its fibres continue ## How to find it Tightening the buttock while standing brings out the muscle; its lower fibres converge on the outer back of the upper thigh, just below the greater trochanter, where the insertion lies. ## Examination - Side-lying snapping test: repeated hip flexion and extension shows a visible or palpable snap over the trochanter in external snapping hip - Prone hip extension with the knee bent, against resistance, tests gluteus maximus strength ## On imaging Dynamic ultrasound shows the band catching over the trochanter in external snapping; MRI shows the uncommon tears at the gluteal tuberosity and fluid in the trochanteric bursae. ## Common problems - Strains from sprinting or jumping (less common than hamstring strains). - Weakness from inactivity or after injury, linked to back, hip and knee pain. - Buttock pain from a bruise or an irritated bursa under the muscle. ## How it is diagnosed Physical exam and strength testing; ultrasound or MRI if a tear is suspected. ## Treatment - Rest, ice, then progressive strengthening (bridges, squats, step-ups) with a physical therapist. - Treating the underlying cause of buttock pain, such as a back or hip problem. ## Clinical notes - Painful external snapping that does not settle can be treated surgically by lengthening or releasing the IT band or the gluteus maximus insertion - Injury to the inferior gluteal nerve weakens hip extension: climbing stairs and rising from a chair become hard, and the trunk is thrown backward at heel strike (gluteus maximus lurch) - Calcific tendinitis at its femoral insertion can erode the femoral cortex and be mistaken for a tumour on imaging ## Anatomical variants - How much of the muscle goes to the IT band and how much to the gluteal tuberosity varies between people - A prominent gluteal tuberosity forms a third trochanter in some people ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Where do the fibres of the gluteus maximus tendon insert? About three quarters into the iliotibial tract; the deep lower fibres into the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. ## What causes external snapping hip? A thickened band at the back of the IT band or the front edge of the gluteus maximus flicking over the greater trochanter as the hip moves. ## Which major nerve lies deep to the gluteus maximus? The sciatic nerve, emerging below the piriformis and running down over the short external rotators. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-maximus/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** musculus gluteus maximus TA2 2598 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Tendón del glúteo mayor DeCS D013710 **English (TA2)** Tendon of gluteus maximus **Also called** musculus glutaeus maximus ## Related - [Gluteus maximus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-maximus-muscle/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14088); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Maximus Muscle](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538193/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-maximus/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-gluteus-maximus/